Explore Metaphysical Poetry: John Donne, George Herbert, Marvell, Vaughan—17th-century themes, conceits, works & analysis for UGC NET JRF English.

🔮 Metaphysical Poetry – Literary Movement

📌 Introduction

Metaphysical Poetry was a prominent literary movement of the 17th century in England. The term “Metaphysical” was first used by Samuel Johnson in the 18th century (in Lives of the Poets) to describe poets like John Donne whose works were intellectually complex, filled with wit, paradoxes, and elaborate conceits. These poets combined philosophy, emotion, and religion in highly innovative forms, breaking away from smooth Elizabethan lyricism.

📌 Context

• Originated late Elizabethan & Jacobean, continued into Caroline & Commonwealth Era.

• John Donne = leader.

• Term “Metaphysical” coined by Samuel Johnson (18th century) in his Lives of the Poets (derogatory sense).

✒️ Features

• Wit & Conceits – far-fetched metaphors (compass, flea, tears as globes).

• Blend of emotion + intellect.

• Themes: love, death, religion, philosophy.

• Use of paradox, irony, argumentative style.

• Abrupt openings (dramatic starts).

🌟 Key Poets & Works

• John Donne – Songs and Sonnets, Holy Sonnets.

• George Herbert – The Temple.

• Richard Crashaw – Steps to the Temple.

• Henry Vaughan – Silex Scintillans.

• Andrew Marvell – To His Coy Mistress, The Garden.

• Abraham Cowley – The Mistress.

📌 Key Features Recap

• Intellectual depth + emotional intensity

• Use of conceits (far-fetched metaphors)

• Paradox, irony, and argumentative style

• Themes: love, religion, death, philosophy

• Dramatic openings (abrupt beginnings)

• Coined as “Metaphysical” by Samuel Johnson (18th century, derogatory)

🌟 Major Metaphysical Poets & Works

1. John Donne (1572–1631) – Leader of Metaphysical Poetry

• Songs and Sonnets (e.g., “The Good Morrow,” “The Canonization”)

• Holy Sonnets (e.g., “Death, be not proud”)

• A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

• The Flea

• The Ecstasy

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2. George Herbert (1593–1633) – Devotional Metaphysical Poet

• The Temple (1633)

  • “The Collar”

  • “The Pulley”

  • “The Altar”

  • “Love (III)”

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3. Richard Crashaw (1613–1649) – Religious & Catholic imagery

• Steps to the Temple (1646)

• The Weeper

• Hymn to St. Teresa

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4. Henry Vaughan (1621–1695) – Mystical, Nature & Religion

• Silex Scintillans (1650)

  • “The Retreat”

  • “The World”

• Known as “Silurist” (from his birthplace in Wales).

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5. Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) – Political + Metaphysical blending

• “To His Coy Mistress” (famous carpe diem poem)

• “The Garden”

• “Upon Appleton House”

• “An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland”

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6. Abraham Cowley (1618–1667) – Later Metaphysical influence

• The Mistress (1647)

• Pindaric Odes

• Known for expanding the conceit tradition.

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✅ Significance in English Literature

• Merges philosophy, religion, and personal experience.

• Contrasts with Cavalier Poets’ worldly lightness.

• Seen as difficult but intellectually rewarding.

• Later admired by T.S. Eliot & Modernist poets (20th century).

📚 Features of Metaphysical Poetry

• Intellectual depth, witty arguments

• Use of conceits (extended metaphors, e.g., Donne’s compass in Valediction)

• Dramatic openings and abrupt style

• Fusion of religion, love, philosophy, and science

• Paradox, irony, and logical reasoning

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✅ Conclusion

The Metaphysical Poets were pioneers in merging intellect with passion. Their unconventional imagery, complex conceits, and philosophical insights made them distinct from both Elizabethan lyricists and Cavalier poets. Though criticized for obscurity, their influence resurfaced in the 20th century when poets like T.S. Eliot and F.R. Leavis praised their innovative techniques. Today, Metaphysical Poetry remains a central topic for literary studies and research.

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